Ravenshead

Birders

Latest information

End of Latest Information

Please remember: 8am departure from Sherwood Ranger

(unless notified differently under "Latest Information" above)

2019 meets
January: Rufford Park
4 of us had a good session on a dry, freezing day. 35 species were noted on the 60% ice-covered lake and its surroundings. 2 hawfinch and a mandarin duck topped the visit. There were also good sightings of siskins. A nuthatch and a tree creeper completed a satisfying morning. Thanks to Tony this month for the photos.

Remaining 2019 programme

February 6th

Besthorpe/Collingham/Langton Lowfields

March 21st

Potteric Carr

April 18th

Attenborough

May 16th

Gibraltar Point

June 20th

Whisby/Annesley Pit Tops

July 11th

Cotgrave Woods

August 15th

Idle Washlands

September 26th

Old Moor

October 24th

Netherfield pm/eve (murmuration)

November 21st

Frampton/Frieston

December 19th

Colwick Park or Skylarks

The Group
The Birders group is open to all Ravenshead U3A members. New members are always welcome, especially those with little birding experience. The leaders are ready and willing to offer help with identification and tips.

The group visits major bird reserves in our locality and beyond. We often visit areas nearby one month and travel further afield the next month. The purpose of the group is to help members identify the birds seen and to discuss how to improve their own birding skills. Although nominally a birding group, we are also on the lookout for other forms of wildlife, so that when spotted (flowers, fungi, invertebrates etc.) these are included in our photos and descriptions. In fact, at least one of our meetings during the year is devoted entirely to butterflies.

We'll be leaving the Sherwood Ranger at 8 am before each outing (unless notified under "Latest Information" above). The group is usually out for most of the day, and we are usually on our feet for several hours. Respite is available at certain reserves which have hides! The distance that we walk can vary depending on the reserve, so sturdy footwear is advised - as are a good pair of feet! We usually try to alternate a local visit with a more distant one. Cars are usually shared if desired.

What we see will be listed after each meet (see above) so that those interested in joining the group can see the kind of wildlife we're seeing. A selection of photographs taken on the day will also be posted here on the webpage. The names of most of the wildlife in the photos can be seen at the top of the full size photo frame after clicking on the thumbnail.

All information regarding 2018 meets (including wildlife spotted) has been moved to a subpage, accessed by clicking on the link "2018 meets" at the top right of this page.